THE GOLDEN-BREASTED AGAMI,

OR TRUMPETER.

Psophia crepitans.`

THIS singular and little known bird is a native of the warmer parts of South America, and takes its name of Trumpeter from the extraordinary sound produced by its voice, either of its own accord in a wild state, or when urged by its keeper in a domesticated.

It not only utters a very shrill cry like that of the turkey, but also a trumpet-like sound, conveyed as if from the interior of the body, which is used as a signal to call stragglers together, for the bird is readily decoyed by an imitation of it, and will be frequently disposed to repeat the sound if tempted by a bit of bread. Mr. Bingley says that "the cry is as if you were to pronounce tou, tou, tou; tou, tou, tou, with the mouth shut, resting upon the last tou, for a very long time, and sinking gradually with the same note. It also much resembles the lengthened doleful noise which the

Dutch bakers make by blowing a glass trumpet to inform their customers when the bread comes out of the oven."

The Trumpeter is about the size of a large domestic fowl, but with a long neck, the legs are five inches in height; these are covered with small black scales, reaching two inches above the knee. Its general plumage is black, and the feathers of the head and neck are short and downy. Those of the fore part of the neck and upper part of the breast are of a very glossy gilded green, with, in some lights, a reflection of blue, greatly resembling the plumage of the peacock. The feathers between the shoulders are loose and silky, rust-coloured and changing into a pale ash colour as they pass downwards. Those of the shoulders are long, and hang over the tail, which is very short, and consists of twelve blackish feathers. The bill is moderately long, yellowish, curved and much bent at the tip. The young birds retain their down, or rather their first feathers, much longer than our chickens and partridges, and the real plumage does not appear until they have attained one-fourth of their growth. From the

shortness of the wings and tail, the Trumpeter flies heavily, and when compelled to take wing, halts frequently on the ground or on some low branch of a tree; but, like the partridge, it runs very nimbly, keeping up with a dog without difficulty. These birds are naturally of a familiar and confiding disposition, scarcely ever attempting to avoid the approach of the sportsman, and thus, perhaps, are easy victims to his rifle. This apparent carelessness of danger does not arise from stupidity, for perhaps there are few birds more docile and intelligent. In a state of domestication, to which they readily submit, they become strongly attached to mankind, and are extremely sensible of kindness or of ill-treatment. The Trumpeter, among birds, may indeed be allowed to rank with our faithful companion and friend the dog among quadrupeds. Like the dog, it recognizes and is obedient to the voice of its master, follows or precedes him on an excursion, quits him with regret, and hails his return with joy. It is extremely sensible of caresses, and repays them with every expression of gratitude; and is so jealous of his master's affection, that if any person approaches him very closely